Minnesota Twins Game Grades: Both Split Squads Win

Mar 20, 2016; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) singles and drives in two runs against the New York Yankees during the fifth inning at CenturyLink Sports Complex. The Yankees defeated the Twins 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) singles and drives in two runs against the New York Yankees during the fifth inning at CenturyLink Sports Complex. The Yankees defeated the Twins 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 22, 2016; Clearwater, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Daniel Palka (99) celebrates with Minnesota Twins third base coach Gene Glynn (13) after he hits a home run against he Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2016; Clearwater, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Daniel Palka (99) celebrates with Minnesota Twins third base coach Gene Glynn (13) after he hits a home run against he Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /

Phil Hughes started for the Twins at Bright House Field. His outing was a mixed bag. He allowed 4 earned, on 9 hits but he also struck out 9 in in 5.1 innings and didn’t walk anyone.

Dan Runzler followed Hughes with 1.2 innings allowing a walk and no runs. Ryan Pressly allowed an earned run on 2 hits and a walk in the 8th inning. J.R Graham pitched a clean 9th with a strikeout.

Byung Ho Park got the scoring going in the 1st inning with an RBI double. Daniel Palka hit a solo shot in the 2nd and connected for a solo shot again in the 4th. The Twins were behind until the 7th when they broke out with 4 runs. Travis Harrison and Eddie Rosario had RBI singles and Byung Ho Park hit a sac fly.

7. 2. Final. 5. 6

B+. 11 hits, 2 walks, 14 strikeouts, 2 home runs and 4 for 11 with runners in scoring position. Byron Buxton and Danny Santana had two hit days and stolen bases, Park and Rosario had two RBI days but Daniel Palka’s 2 hits were both home runs. The first base prospect acquired this winter gets the unexpected special mention.  . . Daniel Palka. OFFENSE

Dan Runzler. PITCHING . C+. Team totals: 11 hits allowed, 2 walks, no home runs and 11 strikeouts. We’ll give the special mention to Dan Runzler for his scoreless 1.2 innings.   .

Next: Carlos Quentin is making a push

The Twins will face the Tampa Bay Rays tomorrow afternoon at CenturyLink Sports Complex. First pitch is at 12:05 CST. Ricky Nolasco will get the start. Twins roster. The game will be broadcast on FSN.